Buccaneers have Damiels at quarterback for the Steelers on Sunday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is making measurable progress in his recovery from a dislocated right thumb, but the Buccaneers currently plan to start rookie Jalon Daniels against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. Mayfield, however, is reportedly pushing to return ahead of the original timetable.

The Buccaneers enter Sunday’s 1 p.m. matchup at Raymond James Stadium at 1–4 after earning their first victory of the season, a 24–16 Thursday-night win over the Dallas Cowboys. Daniels, an undrafted rookie, led Tampa Bay in his second NFL start, completing 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown without an interception.

Todd Bowles Provides Mayfield Update

Mayfield has missed Tampa Bay’s past two games after dislocating the thumb on his throwing hand during the Week 3 loss to Minnesota. Head coach Todd Bowles said the quarterback now has a smaller splint and that the team will evaluate whether he can grip a football this week.sports.

“Coach Todd Bowles said that Baker Mayfield has a smaller splint on his dislocated thumb injury. They will see if he can grip a ball this week, but the plan is to go with Jalon Daniels vs. the Steelers,” according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

The smaller splint and removal of stitches are encouraging signs, but they do not make Mayfield medically cleared. His availability will depend on thumb healing, pain tolerance, and his ability to securely grip and throw the football.

Will Mayfield Play Against Pittsburgh?

Initial expectations called for Mayfield to miss at least three weeks, and reporting has indicated the recovery range could extend from three to six weeks. Still, Mayfield is reportedly pushing to play Sunday, and Week 6 has been viewed as a more realistic potential return date than Week 5.sports.

Bowles has been clear about Tampa Bay’s current plan: Daniels is expected to make his third consecutive start. But the Buccaneers have not ruled out a surprise Mayfield return if he can demonstrate sufficient grip strength and comfort throwing before kickoff.

Daniels Has Earned Another Look

Daniels gave Tampa Bay a needed spark in Dallas. He helped the Buccaneers produce 419 total yards, while Bucky Irving rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the 24–16 victory.

The rookie has now started twice, first against Green Bay and then against Dallas, and delivered Tampa Bay’s first win of the season. His poise has given the coaching staff reason to avoid rushing Mayfield back before the thumb is fully functional.

What Comes Next

Mayfield’s absence has already ended his streak of 57 consecutive regular-season and postseason starts for Tampa Bay. His return would restore the offense’s established starter, but the Buccaneers must balance that urgency against the risk of aggravating a throwing-hand injury.

Until Mayfield proves he can grip, throw and protect the football without limitation, Daniels remains the expected starter against Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. Tampa Bay will continue monitoring Mayfield’s progress as Sunday approaches.

For more from JR Garner who wrote the story for Bucs Report be sure to read his stories and follow the Buccaneers on Bucsreport.com, click here.